Alcohol

Eastleigh Borough Council is committed to supporting the sensible use of alcohol alongside the Department of Health's programme and the Home Offices' work to combat the adverse effects of alcohol misuse. Enjoy safe, sensible drinking.

Units

Alcohol is measured in units and the number of units in a drink depends on the amount you drink and the strength.

The Department of Health recommends the following daily allowance for safe drinking.

Binge drinking is drinking over double the recommended daily allowance – so be unit aware!

Risks and Consequences

Alcohol is the most commonly used drug in our society and costs the NHS over £3 billion a year. It has a stronger effect on young people because of their age, smaller bodies and lack of tolerance. It therefore can lead to higher risks especially for this age group: • Alcohol can make a person argumentative and aggressive. It isn't possible to tell beforehand if you are going to turn into a violent drunk. • It can increase the chance of trying other substances with adverse health and psychological consequences. • If drunk, it is likely a person might have unplanned or unprotected sex and the possibility of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. • Long term alcohol misuse can lead to oral and liver cancers, stomach ulcers, heart disease and brain damage. • Alcohol overdose is possible whereby drowsiness and choking on your own vomit can happen. This can ultimately lead to death. • Drinking too much can cause anti social behaviour and is responsible for almost 50% of violent crime according to Hampshire Constabulary.

Alcohol and Calories

Many people are unaware of the calorie content of alcohol and are very surprised about the number of calories in alcoholic drinks. The current UK recommended calorie guidelines are 2000 for women and 2500 for men. Below is a chart that gives examples of how many calories are in drinks and the number of units they contain so you can keep an eye on how many you’re having:

Drink

Serving Size

Calories

Units

Champagne 12%

175ml glass

133

2.1

Red wine 12%

175ml glass

119

2.1

Rose wine 12%

175ml glass

124

2.1

White wine dry 12%

175ml glass

116

2.1

Strongbow 5.3%

pint

239

3

Guinness draught 4.2%

pint

210

2.4

Carling 4.1%

pint

187

2.3

Carlberg Export 5%

pint

227

2.8

Gin and tonic single

25ml

120

0.9

Vodka and coke single

25ml

120

1

Smirnoff Ice bottle

275ml

176

1.3

10 Top Tips for Safer Drinking

1. Eat before you go out as it slows down the absorption rate so that alcohol will not hit your system all at once.

2. Set a limit on how many drinks you are going to have when you drink, and stick to it.

3. Don’t buy rounds as it often means you drink more or opt for a soft drink instead.

4. Pace yourself, there is no hurry. Slow down and take smaller sips.

5. Don’t save up your weekly guided recommended allowance and cram it into one evening.

6. Avoid people topping up your drink as it is hard to manage how much you’re drinking.

7. Some pub measures are very large so be careful you’re not drinking more units than you intend to.

8. Be cautious when drinking if on any medication as it can make the effects of alcohol stronger and can counteract the medication.

9. Order your own drinks, and do not pick up a drink that you’ve lost sight of.

10.Always have a way to get home whether by taxi, a designated driver or having a group of friends to walk home with.

Alcohol and the Law

16/17 years – can consume beer, cider or wine in an eating area on licensed premises as long as accompanied with a meal and bought by an adult.

If under 18 - The Police can confiscate alcohol and can contact your parents. If you don't co-operate a fine of £500 can be given.

Adults – can receive an £80 on the spot fine for buying alcohol on behalf of under 18s or can end up in court and be fined up to £5000.

Fixed Penalty Notices – Alcohol

A Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) is issued by an Officer (PC or in some cases PCSO) as a quick resolution to an early stage offence. The idea being that if a FPN is issued, that behaviour will stop and not lead to further offences.

As such, a FPN can only be issued ONCE for an offence. Further offending can lead to arrest and an appearance in Court, even if there are weeks or months between offences.

Alcohol related FPNs include –

Drunk and Disorderly - £80

Buys or attempts to buy alcohol on behalf of a person under 18 - £80

Purchase of alcohol for consumption in licensed premises for a person under 18 - £80

Drunk in Highway - £50

Drinking in a designated public place - £50

Buying or attempting to buy alcohol by a person under 18 - £50

Contravene requirement of constable to surrender liquor - £50

These fines can be issued at any time to any person found committing the offence.

Teetotal Celebs

Check out these celebrities who don’t drink alcohol and be inspired! Follow the fashion trend…